After Severe Head Injury Patient Now has High Hopes

In July 2020, Theresa suffered a syncopal episode after a fall resulting in a head injury. She was found to have a subarachnoid hemorrhage with intraventricular extension and right anterior communicating artery aneurysm with possible rupture. Initially, Theresa was intubated but had to later be re-intubated due to vasospasm and respiratory failure with aspiration pneumonia. She also had a trach and a PEG tube placement.

Theresa spent time at Horizon Medical Center and Select Rehabilitation Hospital. In October 2020, she was then referred to Rehab Without Walls for home and community services where she began a comprehensive program.

At this time, she was in a power wheelchair but during her therapy sessions was using a standing frame and able to only tolerate 20 minutes at a time. She required verbal cues to remember recent events and required moderate verbal cues to improve completeness and thought formulation. Theresa was not able to verbalize any of her goals at the time of admission or discharge. She was discharged June 2021 with an in-home program.

Fast forward to August 2023, Theresa was re-referred to RWW Home and Community services. At the time of admission, she was still in her power chair; however, she was able to vocalize her goals which included walking, driving, and returning to work. Theresa is very engaged and works hard. In the five months since admission, she has transitioned from her power chair to a manual chair with power assist. She can walk with an upright walker with assistance.

Prior to her injury, Theresa worked in the Human Resources Department at Home Depot for 18 years. She has discussed returning to work with the management team and plans to apply in spring 2024. She is also starting to discuss what driving would look like for her in the near future. Theresa and her therapist go to the pool at least once a week where she has made incredible improvements. We will continue to work with her and assist in meeting any of the goals she has set for herself. It is incredible to see the progress she has made.